Given the hectic nature of modern lifestyles, most of us have reached for a convenience meal at one time or another. While many of them are full of saturated fat, salt, and sugar, increased health awareness among Hong Kongers has created a demand for nutritious and tasty choices!
Shopping smart
Convenience meals have nutrition labels just like other groceries, so be guided by that information. Look for food containing:
- Less saturated fat
Saturated fat can increase your cholesterol level and therefore your risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes1, and lowers your metabolism, which contributes to weight gain.
- Less refined carbohydrates and sugars
They contribute to diabetes risk2 and cause you to pack on the pounds with their high glycogen index.3
- Less salt
Salt in excess quantities can enhance hypertension risk and cause kidney disease.4
Eating enough, but not too much
To keep your waistline in check, count your calories. Again, the nutrition label is your friend. Women should aim to consume no more than 2,000 calories per day and men, 2,500 calories.5 Weight control is a matter of simple arithmetic. Weight gain occurs when we eat more calories than we burn. Ensure that your convenience meals don't take your daily calorie consumption over the Guideline Daily Amounts above, and you'll be just fine!
Sources
- High cholesterol. British Heart Foundation. Viewed 2 March 2016.
- Diabetes and hyperglycemia. Diabetes.co.uk. Viewed 2 March 2016.
- Sugars. NHS. Viewed 2 March 2016.
- High Blood pressure. British Heart Foundation. Viewed 2 March 2016.
- Guideline Daily Amounts: The Facts. Food and Drink Federation. Viewed 2 March 2016.